Saint Catherine's Monastery legal status negotiations enter final stage

Negotiations regarding the new legal status of Saint Catherine's Monastery in Sinai have entered their final stages. The Sinai Brotherhood is expected to respond to positions submitted by the Egyptian state in early August, moving the process toward final signatures.

The proposed agreement centers on a unique ‘dual ownership regime.’ Under this model, the Brotherhood would maintain continuous rights for religious occupation, use, and operation of the monastery's movable and immovable properties. However, the Brotherhood will not be permitted to transfer, alter, or exploit historical properties or the monastery's Byzantine and archaeological treasures without the oversight of the Egyptian Antiquities Authority.

Legal experts describe this framework as a combination of ‘bare ownership’ and ‘conditional usufruct,’ designed to align with Egyptian law while preserving the religious rights and unique character of the monastery. Current discussions are also addressing regulations for smaller properties and lands that provide revenue for the Brotherhood.

The diplomatic process has seen interest from the United States, following visits by U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Michael Riga and senior presidential advisor Massad Boules, both of whom met with Archbishop Simeon of Sinai.